One of the general aims of sigma is to reduce failure and referral rates on mathematics and statistics modules for non-specialists. One method of achieving this is to improve the learning experience by teaching, or providing proactive teaching interventions to, identified groups of students in small groups.
| Mode | Description |
|
1 |
Alternative provision: from a whole student group, a subgroup is selected of those students deemed to be 'at risk of failing'. This subgroup is provided with innovative learning opportunities as an alternative to receiving the normal programme provided for the whole group. |
|
2a |
Secondments into sigma of staff from other departments (at LU or CU) who then undertake innovative work with students in their own departments. |
|
2b |
Secondments into sigma of staff from other institutions who then undertake innovative work with students in their home institution. |
|
3a |
Supplementary Teaching provided, in addition to their normal teaching, to students identified as 'at risk'. |
|
3b |
Supplementary Teaching provided, in addition to their normal teaching, to a whole group of students. |
|
4 |
Secondments out of sigma, by sigma staff, to support module development in other departments, with developments in turn impacting upon students in these departments. |
|
5 |
Enhanced Teaching: The existing teaching of a whole group of students is modified, with support from sigma, to introduce a novel dimension which may involve technology. |
Over the four years 2005/6 - 2008/9 around 70 interventions have taken place with an indicative distribution amongst modes and over the years, given in the table below.
| Mode\Year | 2005/6 | 2006/7 | 2007/8 | 2008/9 | Total |
|
1 |
5 |
6 |
0 |
4 |
15 |
|
2a |
2 |
2 |
|||
|
2b |
3 |
3 |
|||
|
3a |
2 |
3 |
2 |
4 |
11 |
|
3b |
5 |
3 |
2 |
5 |
15 |
|
4 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
||
|
5 |
3 |
3 |
7 |
9 |
22 |
|
Total |
15 |
15 |
12 |
28 |
70 |